Protests in Iran have persisted for nine days, originating from economic grievances and subsequently expanding into broader political demands. The demonstrations occur amidst high inflation, currency devaluation, and international sanctions. Human rights organizations report over 20 fatalities and approximately 1,000 arrests in connection with the unrest. The United States and Israel have publicly expressed support for the protesters, while the US has also issued warnings to Iranian leaders regarding their handling of the demonstrations.
Current Protests and Demands
The current wave of protests began on December 28, initially driven by public discontent over economic conditions. Merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar initiated these demonstrations by closing shops to protest currency fluctuations and demand market stabilization. The protests subsequently expanded to include students, small businesses, and citizens in various cities and towns, with participants expressing calls for government change. Economic slogans evolved into political demands, including calls for the removal of the Islamic Republic, and chants against Iran's supreme leader became a feature of the demonstrations within days. Reports from human rights organizations indicate over 20 fatalities and approximately 1,000 arrests in connection with the demonstrations.
Economic Landscape
The protests are occurring amidst significant economic challenges. Iran's annual inflation rate is approximately 42%, with food inflation exceeding 70%. Reports suggest some basic goods have experienced price increases over 110%, and the local currency has devalued by about 80% against the US dollar in the past year.
International sanctions, primarily led by the United States, have contributed to these economic conditions. Additionally, high-profile corruption cases involving officials and their families have been reported in Iranian courts. A perception exists among some citizens that specific officials and their relatives may benefit from sanctions through arrangements related to imports, exports, oil revenue movement, and money laundering. Some government officials reportedly attribute economic difficulties more to these individuals, referred to as "Sanctions Profiteers," than to the sanctions themselves. The Iranian economy faces challenges, with limited growth forecasts.
International Responses and Regional Context
The United States issued two direct warnings to Iranian leaders concerning the treatment of protesters. President Trump issued the first warning, stating the US was "locked and loaded." A second warning followed on Sunday, after a US special forces operation targeting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. US President Donald Trump warned the Iranian government against killing protesters and indicated US readiness for action. The United States and Israel have publicly expressed support for the protesters.
Both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened military action should Iran restore its nuclear capabilities or decline to reduce its missile industry. Prime Minister Netanyahu has previously described the Iranian government as an existential threat.
In the summer of 2025, a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel occurred, which reportedly involved direct US military intervention, including air strikes on three primary Iranian nuclear facilities. Reuters reported damage to Iran's missile and military sites during this period. Following this conflict, President Trump stated that Iran's nuclear program had been "obliterated." However, experts and the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have subsequently expressed skepticism regarding this claim, suggesting core elements of the Iranian nuclear program were not destroyed. Approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, currently unaccounted for, could potentially allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. No new negotiations have occurred between Iran and Western powers to establish a new nuclear agreement. President Trump recently accused Iran of seeking new nuclear sites and attempting to replenish its missile stocks, issuing a threat to "eradicate that build-up."
Internal Dynamics and Previous Unrest
The current unrest follows widespread anti-government protests approximately four years prior (2022), triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody. These 2022 demonstrations, known as the "Mahsa Movement" or "Woman, Life, Freedom," were suppressed through force and arrests. While the current protests have spread and continued, their scale and intensity have not yet reached those of 2022.
Broader societal grievances contributing to public unrest include:
- Theocratic regulations, such as the mandatory headscarf (hijab) for women, which some women have increasingly disregarded in public.
- A top-down approach to water governance, cited as contributing to the country's vulnerability to drought.
- Government support for proxy militant groups in Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, and Yemen.
The Iranian government maintains several instruments of state power, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary force, which is utilized for internal security. It also operates intelligence services, revolutionary committees, and clerical networks. Many leaders of these forces were involved in their establishment after the 1978–79 revolution. The government has also developed long-term defense strategies against external threats, including investments in asymmetrical warfare strategies and a defense industry. Since the conclusion of the 2025 conflict with Israel, reports indicate a focus on rebuilding missile capabilities and acquiring arms and air defense systems from Russia and China. Historically, Iran's leadership has justified substantial expenditures on regional allies and the nuclear program as investments critical for the nation's long-term security and technological advancement. Some assessments question the effectiveness of these policies in ensuring domestic security.
Information Dissemination Challenges
Journalists in Iran operate under restrictions, and international news organizations often face limitations on reporting from within the country. Information regarding the protests frequently originates from social media and citizen reports. This reliance on non-traditional sources presents verification challenges, compounded by the potential for unverified claims and misinformation.
Broader Context
Some Iranians, both domestically and abroad, support a change in government and the return of Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah, to lead a transitional administration for democratization. However, reports indicate President Trump has not favored government change in Iran, with considerations potentially including concerns about the orderliness and potential disruptiveness of a political transition, referencing the 1979 revolution. He has also stated a primary focus on the Western hemisphere. Iran is a country with a diverse population of 93 million. Its strategic location, featuring the longest coastline on the Persian Gulf, places it within a traditional zone of major power rivalry. These factors are relevant in international policy considerations regarding Iran.